Kenneth John Kroese, 84, of Waverly, NE, passed away October 7, 2026. He was born in rural Gage County on March 10, 1942- the first child of Herman and Opal (Kamp) Kroese.
He attended country grade school and Adams High School. The family moved to Waverly in 1956 where Ken graduated in 1959. He then enlisted in the Navy- serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger.
Upon his release from the service, he worked for Qantas Airlines in Oakland, CA. In 1965, Ken started Kroese Well Drilling and Repair which was his livelihood until his retirement in 2004.
On September 3, 1966, he was united in marriage to Susan Lee at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Albion. To this union three sons were born: David Lee, James Roger and John Jason.
Ken was preceded in death by his son, David, parents, brothers, Eldon and Bill, brother-in-law, Richard Gable, nephews, Doug and Darin Gable, and parents-in-law, Pete and Irene Lee.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; sons, Jim (Rachel), of Eagle, NE, John (Mary), of Waverly, NE; daughter, Kathy (Jr.) Olson, of Turtle Lake, WI; daughter-in-law, Suzette, of Lincoln, NE; 15 grandchildren, Brad and Sam, Brice and Liza, Brandon and Jennifer, Braeden and Jackie, Danielle, Maranda, Genevieve and Walker, Holden, Jason, Cody, Logan Lee and Ty, Wade, Alex and Dan, Logan and Scarlett, and Meg; 26 great grandchildren and two great granddaughters expected in December. Ken is also survived by his sisters, Carolyn Gable and Nancy Kroese; sister-in-law, Sharon Kroese; brother-in-law, Roger Lee; along with many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Bethlehem Covenant Church, 18841 N. 98th Street, Waverly, NE.
Memorials to the family for future designation.